Ninon de Lenclos

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1904. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... MEMOIRS ON THE LIFE OF MADEMOISELLE DE LENCLOS Ninon was not of obscure birth; on the contrary, her father, Monsieur de Lenclos, had ever moved in the best society. We know too, for a certainty, that Madame de Lenclos belonged to the family of Abra de Raconis; this fact is quite sufficient to prove that those who would describe him as a professional lute player mistook one of his undoubted talents for his occupation in life. Ninon was the only child of this marriage. Madame de Lenclos, a wise and prudent mother, endeavoured from the beginning to inspire her daughter with the piety which characterised her own life. Monsieur de Lenclos, on the other hand, wished her to grow into an attractive woman; he, therefore, did his best to train her on the lines of that particular kind of philosophy which his own convictions had led him to consider the only true wisdom. In face of such contrasts we can easily imagine the conflicting sentiments which must have filled this child's young mind, just as we may easily guess which way humanity leads on such occasions. Thus Ninon's earliest remembrances were embodied in the terms Honour and Pleasure. Her father, with great discrimination, was careful to measure his instruction by the degree of intelligence manifested as years went by. He can have wasted no time, since at the age of twelve Ninon had already read with enjoyment all Montaigne's works, as well as those of Charron, his grave disciple. These authors served to strongly emphasise her father's early teaching; so much so that she remained devoted to them throughout her life. Vain were Madame de Lenclos' efforts to induce her daughter to share her daily devotional exercises. Even when she was persuaded to go to church Ninon would substitute for a prayer-book some volume more ...